Precious You by Helen Monks Takhar was published in 2020 and retitled That Woman)

It's an unsettling and thought provoking tale about two women in the workplace and the age divide between them.

Due to a sudden, unexpected passing in the family a few years ago and another more recently and my subsequent (mental) health issues stemming from that, I was unable to download this book in time to review it before it was archived as I did not visit this site for several years after the bereavements. This meant I didn't read or venture onto netgalley for years as not only did it remind me of that person as they shared my passion for reading, but I also struggled to maintain interest in anything due to overwhelming depression. I was therefore unable to download this title in time and so I couldn't give a review as it wasn't successfully acquired before it was archived. The second issue that has happened with some of my other books is that I had them downloaded to one particular device and said device is now defunct, so I have no access to those books anymore, sadly.

This means I can't leave an accurate reflection of my feelings towards the book as I am unable to read it now and so I am leaving a message of explanation instead. I am now back to reading and reviewing full time as once considerable time had passed I have found that books have been helping me significantly in terms of my mindset and mental health - this was after having no interest in anything for quite a number of years after the passings. Anything requested and approved will be read and a review written and posted to Amazon (where I am a Hall of Famer & Top Reviewer), Goodreads (where I have several thousand friends and the same amount who follow my reviews) and Waterstones (or Barnes & Noble if the publisher is American based). Thank you for the opportunity and apologies for the inconvenience

Helen Monks Takhar’s “Precious You” is a gripping and multilayered thriller that explores the darker side of obsession, power dynamics, and identity. With its intricate plot twists, well-developed characters, and psychological depth, this book is a compelling read that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

The story revolves around Katherine, a successful editor at a fashion magazine, and Lily, her ambitious and manipulative intern. As their professional relationship takes a twisted turn, the narrative unfolds with mounting tension, unexpected revelations, and a constant sense of unease. Monks Takhar’s writing style is atmospheric and immersive, capturing the psychological nuances of the characters and the toxic dynamic between them.

“Precious You” offers a multilayered reading experience, exploring themes of identity, female rivalry, and the obsession with youth and beauty. The author delves into the complexities of these themes, skillfully weaving them into the narrative and adding depth to the story. The psychological depth of the characters, particularly Lily, is a highlight of the book, as readers are taken on a chilling journey into her mind and motivations.

The plot twists in “Precious You” are expertly executed, keeping readers guessing and eagerly turning the pages. The author skillfully plays with perception and reality, blurring the lines between truth and manipulation. While some plot elements may feel familiar to fans of the psychological thriller genre, Monks Takhar injects enough originality and tension to keep the story fresh and engaging.

The pacing of the book is well-maintained, with suspense building steadily throughout the narrative. The author’s ability to create a sense of unease and anticipation ensures that readers are fully immersed in the story. However, some readers may find certain sections of the book slow-paced, as the focus shifts between different perspectives and timelines.

In conclusion, “Precious You” is a multilayered and compelling thriller that showcases Helen Monks Takhar’s skill for crafting intricate and psychologically rich narratives. With its well-developed characters, unexpected twists, and exploration of complex themes, this book offers a gripping reading experience. If you’re a fan of psychological thrillers that delve into the depths of obsession and power dynamics, “Precious You” is a solid choice that deserves its four-star rating. Prepare to be captivated by this dark and twisted tale that will leave you questioning the boundaries of trust and the price of ambition.

Katherine is facing change; her magazine has been taken over and there’s new management in charge. New management who wants to change the magazine’s direction, management who has brought an intern to shake things up.

The story swaps between Katherine and Lily, I get two out of the three sides for the story. Where does the truth lie between these narratives?? I doubted both my narrators, Lily spoke with such conviction despite me knowing she’s up to no good. Katherine’s narrative had the makings of a woman being tormented and unable to do anything about it.

I didn’t know which path the author was taking me. Each time I suspected where I was heading, I hit a bump and was sent in a slightly different direction. I had to keep my wits about me but that really didn’t help me.

That Woman is packed with tension and intrigue. The climax of the story was not what I expected. Totally out of my peripheral scope. This is a cracking debut from Monks Takhar. I’m looking forward to reading more from this author!

I love a good psychological thriller, but this didn't pass muster for me. The characters felt disappointing, and unreliable and I couldn't gel with them. I'm all for an unreliable character, but not these ones. I was disappointed I didn't love this book as I gave others from this author.

This is a great psychological thriller that is written from dual perspective
The characters in this book are great and the story is multi layered.
A great read

I really devoured this twisted and suspenseful game of cat and mouse. A toxic generational divide threatens editor in chief Katherine who has just come back to work ready to impress the new owner of the magazine following a bout of depression. Cue the ambitious young new shoe-in intern "snowflake" niece of the new owner who intends to modernise on her way to the top. Katherine's once tested and solid foundation is threatened as she struggles to impress as Lily soars, the revenge driven power struggle that ensues is captivating and obnoxious. Does lily have more sinister intensions or is Katherine just rattled by her beauty, youth and ambition ? Read This !!!!!!

Thankyou to Net galley and Random House publishing for this ARC in return for an honest review.

This book was strangely familiar... but in a good way! Definitely for fans of a commercial thriller; enough twists to keep your attention, even if some are a bit predictable. A comfortable read if you enjoy this genre.

A twisty and compelling read which kept me guessing. The premise is hooky and intriguing and worked well!

I like psychological thrillers but struggled.with the story, setting and dislikeable.and unrealistic characters.

Thank you to the publisher for my eARC copy of this book. Unfortunately I didn’t love this book and therefore didn’t finish, I just didn’t connect with this one. Not for me, sorry.

I enjoyed the book but at times the pace was a little slow. Iit didn't grab the me straight away and make me need to continue to read.

I honestly thought I would hate this novel from the get go but I will happily I was wrong. This is a brilliant story, written in such a way the reader is second guessing themselves.

The plot twist was excellent, however upon first reveal some will think its a cliche... but no plot is limited to one twist...

If you enjoy novels of the physiological thriller category and want a 5 star easy read , this is for you

Precious You is a psychological thriller with intriguing characters and a pacy plot. The plot centres around the relationship between magazine editor Katherine and her new intern, Lily. It's creepy and the depiction of obsession and stalking is chilling. The twist at the end took me by surprise. One of the themes is about the generation gap between Katherine and Lily, and while this works well in many areas, I found it slightly off-putting that Katherine seems so bothered about being in her 40s. But otherwise I thought Precious You was a fantastic read.

It takes a lot to please me with a psychological thriller but this book was SO satisfying!! It hit the nail on the head of how it feels to get older and feel jealous of the younger ones! It made me feel tense and completely unsettled throughout. It’s literally dripping with malice and revenge while being a totally fascinating study into the minds of two different women. It’s addictive, gripping and compulsively readable!

I read a lot of psychological thrillers and was looking forward to this one as there was a lot of hype around it but unfortunately it didn't enjoy it. The characters are incredibly unlikeable and i didn't like how there was such a focus on age and appearance of the characters. This was constantly brought up and by the half way point it getting ridiculous.

This novel follows Katherine as she meets her new intern Lily. Initially Katherine likes Lily but soon doubts start to creep in but Katherine can’t put her finger on what is making her distrust Lily. Lily seems like a perfect young intern doing all she can to fit in and learn so no one wants to hear what Katherine thinks. What follows is a fascinating and disturbing novel about how far a rivalry can go and what one woman is prepared to do to destroy another. I couldn’t put this book down once I started it, I just had to know what was going to happen. There were moments where I wanted to look away but I couldn’t stop myself reading more. I recommend this one!

A compelling, intriguing read that really grasps the readers attention from start to finish.
The characters were brilliant, with a strong female lead who you feel a connection to. The way in which the author navigates you through a story full of twists and turns, it was impossible to put this book down.
A definite must read for all fans of a good psychological thriller.

I really do enjoy psychological thrillers and this book was brilliant. Tense, compelling and was a wild ride! There was one bit which made me so angry, I nearly threw my kindle across the room. Lol! A must read for fans of thrillers.

Took a while to get into this one, but I'm glad I persisted! What a gripping and twisty book, and interesting take on the current trend of psychological thrillers where someone is and obssessed stalker - a rivalry between two women from different generations is a great idea, and the characters were perfectly rounded and described. I enjoyed Precious You a lot!